Method and system for coordinated use of mobile radio frequencies

ABSTRACT

A method and a system with which a primary user, in particular a mobile radio operator, can make a part of the radio spectrum range which is reserved exclusively for the mobile radio operator available in localized and/or time-restricted fashion to a local end user who requested the restricted usage authorization of the radio spectrum range using registered credentials at the mobile radio operator. By way of the credentials the mobile radio operator can allow the local end user limited usage of that radio spectrum range in fee-bearing fashion and can bill same. The local user can then use the assigned frequency band in accordance with his own needs. In particular the user can wirelessly transmit signals in the assigned frequency range between end devices to which no credentials are allocated and in that situation use a transmission protocol which is not defined for the mobile radio network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/051,496 filed on Oct. 29, 2020, which is the National Stage entryunder 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/061685filed May 7, 2019, published as Publication No. WO 2019/215152 on Nov.14, 2019, which claims benefit of foreign priority of German PatentApplication No. 10 2018 110 903.2, filed on May 7, 2018, the entiretiesof which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present invention concerns a method and a system for coordinated useof mobile radio frequencies.

BACKGROUND

To permit frictionless operation the use of radio frequencies for thewireless transmission of signals is heavily regulated. For use in themobile radio field given radio frequency ranges are made available inthe regulations exclusively for individual users, the mobile networkoperators (MNO), as primary users. Frequently a primary user has theright to exclusive use of the respective radio frequency range in returnfor a payment for example to the country which grants the usageauthorization.

DE 10 2005 054 258 B4 discloses a method of allocating frequencies forwireless audio communication.

The MNO may use the spectrum range in question for its application. Inparticular for example it can construct a mobile radio network, as isshown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the state of the art. For thatpurpose, in the country in which it has the usage rights it canconstruct a relatively large number of radio stations, so-called “basestations” 20. The base stations 20 are normally connected by way ofcables 11 to a central unit, the so-called MNO core network 10. The aimof that construction is to build up a mobile radio network for enddevices 30 of end users. The end devices 30 are for example mobilephones or smartphones. Each base station 20 is respectively available inthe local region in which it is constructed as a radio communicationpartner for the end devices 30. If the end user wants to carry on atelephone conversation or transmit data his end device 30 can wirelesslyform a radio connection to a base station 20 in the proximity. For usein the mobile radio network each end device 30 normally has a respectiveindividual identification, so-called “credentials” 31. The credentials31 can be made available to the end device 30 for example by way of aSIM card (Subscriber Identity Module), which can be fitted into the enddevice 30.

The end user has previously registered with the MNO with his credentials31. If now an end device 30 makes contact with a base station 20 ittransmits its credentials 31 to the base station. The base stationtransmits the received credentials by way of the connection 11 to theMNO core network 10. If registration of those credentials is to be foundthere then the MNO makes the services of the mobile radio networkavailable to the end device. In that respect data are exchanged betweenthe end device 30 and the base station 20 utilizing the spectrum rangewhich the MNO may exclusively use, and transmitted by way of theconnection 11 and possibly further intermediate stations for example toanother end device 30.

The credentials 31 serve to associate each end device 30 with theregistration of an end user. The association may include for example atelephone number belonging to the registration of the end user. By wayof the credentials 31 the MNO can thus associate a fee-bearing use ofits mobile radio network with a registered end user and bill the end usefor the costs of the use.

A typical property of such a mobile radio network is that an end device30 can take part in the data transmission only when it has its owncredentials 31. In addition the base stations of the MNO are normallyavailable exclusively in the mobile radio network as a directcommunication partner for radio transmission from and to the enddevices. Access to resources, in particular on the spectrum range thatthe MNO may exclusively use is not provided for end devices which do nothave credentials 31 registered at the MNO.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of the invention is to permit more flexible use of the radiospectrum range which is assigned exclusively to a primary user.

That object is attained by a method for coordinated use of mobile radiofrequencies as set forth in claim 1 and a system for coordinated use ofmobile radio frequencies as set forth in claim 13.

Thus there is provided a method for the coordinated use of mobile radiofrequencies, wherein a primary user has an exclusive usage right for afirst radio frequency range, comprising the steps:

-   -   registration of an end user for identification of the end user        on the basis of credentials (141) at the primary user,    -   request from the end user to the primary user for a        time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage of a portion of        the first radio frequency range, wherein the request includes a        definition of the requested restricted usage and statement of        the registered credentials (141) of the end user,    -   matching the requested usage with already granted access rights        in a central database of the primary user and selection of a        frequency band which is not otherwise allocated,    -   detection of the allocation of the selected frequency band and        the data for definition of the time-restricted and/or        location-restricted usage and the associated credentials (141)        in the central database of the primary user,    -   communication of an allocation information which defines the        restricted usage inclusive of the selected frequency band from        the primary user to the end user,    -   development of a private network (150) by the end user, wherein        the private network (150) includes at least one private base        station (100, 101, 102) and at least one end device (130-136) as        components of the private network (150),    -   wherein the at least one end device (130-136) does not have        credentials registered at the primary user, and    -   wherein the at least one end device (130-136) performs a        wireless signal transmission, wherein at least a part of the        selected frequency band is used, and    -   wherein the components of the private network (150) are so        configured that a wireless signal transmission is effected        corresponding to the restricted usage defined by the allocation        information.

According to an aspect of the invention the primary user is a mobilenetwork operator (MNO).

According to a further aspect of the invention the mobile radio operatorhas defined protocols in accordance with which it supports a mobilecommunication within the first radio frequency range, and in thewireless transmission within the private network (150) a transmissionprotocol is used, that does not correspond to the protocols defined bythe mobile network operator.

According to a further aspect of the invention the request is made byway of a connection (111) and communication of the allocationinformation is effected by way of the connection (111).

According to a further aspect of the invention the private network (150)has a private core (140) which implements resource distribution for thewireless transmission within the private network (150).

According to a further aspect of the invention the primary user uses thecredentials received with the request to bill the end user costs for theallocated restricted usage.

According to a further aspect of the invention the at least one enddevice (130-136) includes means which prevent the at least one enddevice (130-136) implementing usage of radio frequencies outside theallocated restricted usage.

In addition there is provided a system which implements the describedmethod for coordinated use of mobile radio frequencies.

Further configurations of the invention are subject-matter of theappendant claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages and embodiments by way of example of the invention aredescribed in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the structure of a mobile radio networkaccording to the state of the art, and

FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows the structure of a mobile radio networkwith a private network according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the structure of a mobile radio networkaccording to the state of the art. In this arrangement the MNO corenetwork 10 maintains complete control over the precise manner of usageof the exclusively used radio spectrum range as far as each individualend device 30.

It may however be desirable to locally allow use of parts of theexclusively used radio spectrum range by devices which themselves do nothave credentials 31 registered with the MNO. That can involve forexample an event at which a number of microphones are to be wirelesslyoperated with radio transmission of audio signals. Optionally wirelessradio transmission of audio signals for an in-ear monitoring (IEM)system can additionally be provided. Such wireless systems are referredto as “programme making and special event” (PMSE) systems. For that kindof application a particularly short lag in the transmission of the audiodata is important. In particular the time lag due to radio transmissionshould be less than 1 ms.

It would be conceivable for each microphone and each wireless receiverof an IEM system to be provided in the system with its own credentialsso that each of those devices can individually connect to a base stationof the MNO in order then to communicate by way of the mobile radionetwork. With that procedure however observation of the shorttransmission time is scarcely to be reliably guaranteed.

The present invention concerns the notion of making a part of the radiospectrum range which is reserved exclusively for the MNO available inlocalized and/or time-restricted fashion to a local end user who hasrequested the restricted usage authorization of the radio spectrum rangeusing registered credentials at the MNO core network. Therefore inresponse to the local end user request the MNO core network can allocatea given part of the radio spectrum range in localized and/ortime-restricted fashion. By way of the credentials the MNO can allow thelocal end user restricted usage of that radio spectrum range for a feeand can bill same. The local user can then use the assigned frequencyband according to his own needs. In particular in the assigned frequencyrange he can wirelessly transmit signals between end devices to which nocredentials are assigned. Access to MNO base stations is not requiredfor that purpose and there is also no need to use a transmissionprotocol which is defined for the mobile radio network. Finally there isa lease system which is compatible with the mobile radio network and inwhich the MNO can lease parts of its exclusive access rights to itsradio spectrum range to the local end user. That has the advantage forthe lessee that he can exclusively use the leased radio frequency range.That is crucial in particular when a high level of transmission securityhas to be guaranteed. That concerns inter alia PMSE systems. It canhowever also be essential for wirelessly controlled manufacturinginstallations for example if the wireless transmission is used in aclosed control circuit in automation technology.

For coordination of the leasing the MNO can run a central database inwhich it stores the access rights granted to it with detection of theassociated time, location and frequency range for the usage. There canbe a great time gap between the request from the local end user and useof the allocated radio frequencies. For example a concert event with aPMSE system is often already planned months in advance so that theplanner can place his request to the MNO at a suitably early time. Onthe basis of the entries in the central database the MNO can ensure thatit grants the restricted usage rights only once in each case so that thepromised restricted exclusive usage rights do not overlap with furthergranted access rights.

Depending on the respective request the access right may be grantedexclusively or non-exclusively. If it is granted exclusively the MNO hasto ensure that it itself does not allow any other usage and that its ownmobile radio network in the leased range does not perform any sendingactivities.

Authentication of a registered end user on the basis of the credentialscan be made more secure against hacking by the credentials being madeavailable to the user in a technically individualized form. Inparticular that can be effected by a SIM card which is made available tothe end user for example by an MNO. The request for use of frequenciesis accepted only when it comes from an end user who has the SIM card ora suitably individualized form of the credentials.

The use of credentials for awarding partial usage rights to the radiofrequency range of a primary user for creating private networks by anend user is advantageous in particular because the use of credentials atan MNO for the use of a mobile radio network with mobile phones whichrespectively have their own credentials by way of SIM cards is alreadyin use. The use of that existing credential system can therefore beexpanded according to the invention to the provision of privatenetworks.

In accordance with the invention it is also possible that the primaryuser does not himself perform management of credentials and distributionof usage rights to his radio frequency range but that is effected by wayof third parties. In that case however ultimately the use of a part ofthe radio frequency range is allowed to an end user who can beidentified by way of credentials.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows the structure of a mobile radio networkwith a private network 150 according to the invention. The MNO corenetwork 110 is connected by way of a connection 111 to a “private core”(PC) 140. The connection 111 forms an interface between the MNO corenetwork 110 and the private core 140 and can be wired or wireless. Theprivate core 140 has dedicated credentials 141 which are registered withthe MNO and with which it can register with the MNO core network 110. Byway of the connection 111 it can make a request for location-restrictedand/or time-restricted usage of a frequency range to the MNO corenetwork 110. The MNO core network 110 then matches the request to thebooking allocations registered in the central database, allocates agiven radio frequency band to the private core 140 and communicates thatinformation to the private core 140 by way of the connection 111. Inthat case it is also possible for a plurality of separate radiofrequency bands to be allocated to the private core 140. The credentials141 can be made available to the private core 140 end user in atechnically individualized form. By way of example for that purpose aSIM card can be inserted in the private core 140.

The private network 150 includes at least one private base station 100.It can be connected to the private core 140 by way of a connection 112.Alternatively the private base station 100 can be part of the privatecore 140. It is also possible for a plurality of private base stations100, 101, 102 to be connected to the private core 140 by way of theconnection 112.

Belonging to the private network 150 is at least one end device 130which can be referred to as a “user terminal” (UT). That can involve forexample a wireless microphone or the receiver of a monitoring system.Normally there are a plurality of user terminals 130 through 136 in theprivate network 150.

The private core 140 performs local management of the radio transmissionbetween the components associated with the private network 150. Inparticular it implements allocation of radio transmission resourcesbetween the private base stations 100, 101, 102 and the user terminals130 through 136. The private core 140 therefore specifically establisheshow the wireless transmission is to be implemented within the privatenetwork. In that respect care is to be taken to ensure that exclusivelyradio frequency ranges which lie within a frequency band allocated to itare used. If a plurality of private base stations 100, 101, 102 belongto the private network 150 then the private core 140 also takes over“mobility control”, that is to say control which of the private basestations has a respective radio connection from a respective end device130 through 136.

The request with which the private core 140 requests alocation-restricted and/or time-restricted usage of a frequency range atthe MNO core network 110 must include all necessary information fordefining the intended usage. That includes in particular a locationand/or a period of time as well as information about the desiredbandwidth of the radio spectrum range. Numerous further items ofinformation can be added to give a more precise definition. For exampleit can be established whether a given bandwidth is to be continuouslyused. A more precise definition of the desired range can also beprovided in regard to establishing the location. Certain factors of thelocation can also be taken into consideration, which influence thedistribution of radio signals at that location. Optionally such factorscan be measured in advance for example for a given event hall andstored. In the request from the private core 140 to the MNO core network110 the known event hall can then be specified as the location so thatall necessary data are known from the start.

The interface by way of the connection 111 has to be suitably defined tobe able to communicate those details. The central database of the MNOmust also be equipped to receive all essential data.

Equally the allocation information from the MNO core network 110 to theprivate core 140 must also include all data that define for the privatecore 140 the rights allocated to it.

In summary the system according to the invention fulfills the task ofpermitting a private local network under the following generalconditions:

-   -   the radio spectrum range used belongs to a dedicated primary        user, for example a mobile network operator (MNO).    -   the private network can be based both on International Mobile        Telecommunications (IMT) technology, therefore for example on        transmission protocols which are defined for the mobile network,        and also proprietary transmission technology, that is to say for        example on transmission protocols which are not defined for the        mobile network.    -   the private network does not grant any general mobile radio        access.    -   the primary user makes frequency management available, it        therefore establishes the radio frequency range which may be        used by the private network.    -   the user of the private network performs resource management,        that is to say establishing the specific use of the available        radio frequency range.    -   the private network can form a connection to a core network of        an MNO. It is however not absolutely necessary for that        connection also to occur during use of the allocated radio        frequency ranges. If the connection does not exist during the        usage the private network operates as a stand-alone system.    -   the private network has a time-restricted and/or        location-restricted extent. The time duration can be days or        even months or years.

For that purpose there is provided a method with which the individualuser terminals 130 through 136 are admittedly only authenticated withinthe private network, but transfer and assignment of frequency usagerights are appropriately detected and can be used for example forbilling purposes.

The MNO core network must make the following minimum functions availablefor the private network:

-   -   frequency management (session management), that is to say        assignment of radio frequency ranges which the private network        may use, and management of the access rights to ensure possibly        exclusive access of the private network,    -   authentication/identification of the private network in        particular by way of credentials, and    -   licensing of the private network, regulation of the exclusive        frequency access for the private network that is to say granting        the rights for usage of the allocated radio frequency range.

The private core has the following essential tasks:

-   -   resource management,    -   quality of service (QoS) control/monitoring,    -   authentication of the user terminals (UT), that is to say the        end devices of the private network, and    -   mobility control.

Authentication of the overall private network is effected by way of theinterface between PC and MNO core network. The PC passes its credentialsinclusive of the additional data relating to the desired usage of theprivate network like for example time duration, local extent andfrequency requirement to the MNO core network and receives a permit forthe corresponding exclusive usage of the allocated frequency ranges.That permit procedure can take place at any time prior to use of thefrequency ranges. The QoS within a private network is ensured by the PC.

Authentication of the UTs in the private network is effected by way ofthe PC and not by way of the MNO core network. Accordingly only the PCof the private network is identified in the MNO network, for example byway of a SIM card. Billing of a private network can be effected forexample on the basis of the location, period of time and the frequencyrequirement.

A problem can occur in that the end devices 130 through 136 can beactivated independently of the private network 150. If for example theprivate core 140 has allocated a sending frequency to a microphone 130then that microphone will then transmit on that frequency. If a userswitches off the microphone 130 the transmission ends. If the userswitches on the microphone again at a later time, possibly even only onanother day, then without further measures he will continue to transmiton the frequency allocated to him. As however the usage right leased bythe MNO is time-restricted it may happen that, at the later time, thereis no longer any authorization at all to transmit on that frequency.According to an aspect of the invention measures can be provided foraverting an inadvertent frequency usage after the lease time. Optionallyfor that purpose when switching on the microphone firstly a connectioncan be formed with a base station of the private core 140 before themicrophone transmits on the set transmission frequency. It is only whenthe private core has confirmed that the usage is allowed at the currenttime that the microphone begins to transmit. Alternatively the enddevice 130 can be equipped with a clock function and the private corecan then communicate to the end device the time at which the lease timeends. From that time on the end device can then end transmission on theallocated frequency. Corresponding measures for deactivation oftransmission on a frequency allocated by the private core can also beadopted when leaving the location for which the radio frequencies wereleased. For that purpose the end device can be equipped with a locationdetection unit which for example by way of GPS determines the locationof the end device 130. Means are therefore provided to prevent the enddevices 130 using the allocated radio frequencies outside the acquiredright.

A further problem can occur if an event lasts longer than previouslyplanned. Insofar as the private core 140 is connected to the MNO corenetwork 110 by way of a connection 111 during the event then the privatecore 140 can preferably ask for a prolongation of the lease durationwith a time safety margin. If the private network 150 is for examplestill in use 30 minutes before the end of the lease time then inaccordance with an aspect of the invention the private core canautomatically request a prolongation by a given period, for example 30minutes, and upon a successfully allocated prolongation can suitablycontrol the elements belonging to the private network 150.

1. An MNO core network of a primary user which has an exclusive usage right for a first radio frequency range, wherein the MNO core network is adapted by way of a connection to receive requests from a private core for a time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage of a part of the first radio frequency range, wherein the request includes a definition of the requested restricted usage and the statement of the registered credentials of an end user at the primary user, wherein the MNO core network is adapted to match the requested usage with already granted access rights in a central database of the primary user and to select a frequency band which is not allocated elsewhere, wherein the MNO core network is adapted to store the allocated information of the selected frequency band and the data for definition of the time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage and the associated credentials in the central database of the primary user, wherein the NMO core network is adapted to communicate an allocation information which defines the restricted usage inclusive of the selected frequency band to the private core by way of the connection.
 2. A system for a coordinated use of mobile radio frequencies in a private network, with the MNO core network as set forth in claim 1 and a private core, wherein a primary user has an exclusive usage right for a first radio frequency range, and wherein the private core has credentials with which an end user is registered with the primary user for identification of the end user, and wherein the private core has an interface in order to make a request for a time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage of a part of the first radio frequency range by way of a connection to the MNO core network, and wherein the request includes a definition of the requested restricted usage and the statement of the registered credentials of the end user, and wherein the private core is adapted to receive by way of the connection an allocation information from the MNO core network which defines the restricted usage inclusive of a frequency band selected from the MNO core network, and wherein the private network includes at least one private base station and at least one end device as components of the private network, and wherein the at least one end device does not have credentials registered with the primary user, and wherein the private core is adapted to configure the components of the private network, and wherein the private core so configures the components of the private network that a wireless signal transmission is effected corresponding to the restricted usage defined in the allocation information, and wherein the at least one end device performs a wireless signal transmission, wherein at least a part of the selected frequency band is used.
 3. A method for the coordinated use of mobile radio frequencies, wherein a primary user has an exclusive usage right for a first radio frequency range, comprising the steps: registration of an end user for identification of the end user on the basis of credentials at the primary user, request from the end user to the primary user for a time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage of a portion of the first radio frequency range, wherein the request includes a definition of the requested restricted usage and statement of the registered credentials of the end user, matching the requested usage with already granted access rights in a central database of the primary user and selection of a frequency band which is not otherwise allocated, storing the allocation of the selected frequency band and the data for definition of the time-restricted and/or location-restricted usage and the associated credentials in the central database of the primary user, communication of an allocation information which defines the restricted usage inclusive of the selected frequency band from the primary user to the end user, establishing a private network by the end user, wherein the private network includes at least one private base station and at least one end device as components of the private network, wherein the at least one end device does not have credentials registered at the primary user, and wherein the at least one end device performs a wireless signal transmission, wherein at least a part of the selected frequency band is used, and wherein the components of the private network are so configured that a wireless signal transmission is effected corresponding to the restricted usage defined by the allocation information, wherein the credentials are made available to the end user in a technically individualized form, wherein the primary user implements an allocation of usage rights only when the request for use of a part of the first radio frequency range comes from an end user who has the technically individualized form of the credentials.
 4. The method for the coordinated use of mobile radio frequencies as set forth in claim 3, wherein the technically individualized form of the credentials is implemented by way of a SIM card. 